Crystals of the Breeze

by DogDrawler

A week after the battle with the Rogues, Cloud and his family form the Fellowship of the Breeze to embark on a journey to free Yoho National Park. There, the sinister Greyson hides in a labyrinthine cave system where the Fellowship must find him. All the while, they deal with Princess, a persuasive ruby, a gay wolf seeking to find his lost lover, a pregnancy, and a worm disease.

2. Chapter 2: The Deserter

Chapter 2: The Deserter (written from April 21st to May 12th, 2023)

January 29th, 2013

If there was any oppressor the Fellowship couldn't oust, it was the winter. Seven days into their expedition, the latest compulsory blizzard lay siege to Banff. They dove into a whirlpool of ice. Gone were the Sanctuary walls that had cuddled the Breeze since its inception when the infamous sobriquet of "the Wind" didn't exist. Ironically, it was the Wind versus the wind as the blizzard howled its melancholy, potentiating the cold. They had never before confronted weather so hellbent on breaking their spirits.

The ranks weren't treated equally. Breeze Alphas had histories of stealth operations to draw from whereas most Omegas were confined to the Sanctuary. For the Omegas, the howling cold crawled into their ears, wiggled up their noses, and slithered down their throats. The few bison furs the Breeze had were given to the most vulnerable Omegas, including Echo. On her back, the pelt kept the one and only pregnant wolf snug much to Thunder's relief.

In spite of the snow being miserable, Oliver's brilliance ensured that it was part of a strategy of concealment. Both blizzards and Rogues concentrated on Central Banff. To march around it would add a whole moon cycle to their journey, but if travel was timed correctly, the group would avoid the Rogues as a consequence of their choice to wait out the storm in their dens as opposed to patrolling. This of course required the group to brave the harrowing ice throughout the entire crossing, and it called for the best navigation skills which Oliver seemed to miraculously have. To the Breeze's amazement, Oliver always seemed to always know where they were, even though every direction looked the same. At no point did he seem befuddled. If other wolves had a drop of erudition, the old wolf had the Pacific, and it didn't go unnoticed by a certain wide-eyed youth.

Halfway on their trek through Central Banff, Benny jogged up to the very front of the group called the point position. The old wolf continued to fascinate Benny more than anyone else. Oliver was shrouded in mystery, and Benny wondered how a wolf with such vast knowledge came to be and if his own mind could ever be as sharp as Drizzle's claws were. During the whole trip, he took mental notes of everything Oliver did. Meanwhile, the old wolf silently studied Benny's fascination, throwing an exploratory glance whenever attention was briefly not given.

From Oliver's perspective, Benny's interest was one of the few things he did not forecast. His artful persona tended to make wolves cautious. It made him grow accustomed to being held from a distance. At first, Benny was yet another wolf rendered uneasy by Oliver's presence, but the more Benny became aware of Oliver's acuity the more Oliver became aware of Benny's, and Oliver believed, unlike Echo's pregnancy, it was a surprise bereft of drawbacks. Additionally, it happened to be the case that Oliver knew whence Benny's interest had come.

"Hey!" the dark grey wolf called as he caught up.

"Greetings," Oliver replied. "You must be Benny, no? Apologies… What age does to your eyesight is cruel."

"Yet somehow a blizzard is no problem for you!"

"Navigation calls upon all your senses. Being overdependent on the eyes is an impairment worse than age."

"You know, a famous Alpha once said that 'education is the premise of progress.' Do you think you'd be willing to teach me a few things? I could use some of your insight!"

"I'm sure you could, but if all my insight is good for is impressing Cloud's daughter, then I'm afraid my teachings will not serve you."

Benny blushed.

"Who said anything about Drizzle? I didn't!" he assured frantically.

"So you say... I suppose I could teach you at some point, but aren't there some other skills you should finish learning first, seeing as you're still a Beta?"

Benny's ears twitched.

"You know about that?! Oh, what am I saying? Of course, you do…"

"I also know you've been interested in me because of Thunder and Drizzle's teachings. They must remind you how much you lag behind most wolves your age. Not to worry, Benny. I see no benefit in telling anyone."

"How long have you known?"

"It was when you came into Elgin's quarters to give your report of the scouting party I sent out. Submission stances are things all wolves are taught, especially in school, and as I watched you submit to Elgin, I noticed that your stances were a bit sloppy—one might even say incomplete. As I'm sure you've noticed, the Breeze do their teachings in their own unique way, and I'd wager that's the reason they've yet to discern your lie."

"I personally think ranks are stupid. What real differences are there between a Beta and an Alpha or an Alpha and Omega? Why is simply being a wolf not enough? Just look at Thunder. He's proof that it shouldn't matter."

Oliver gave a sigh.

"Unfortunately, proof has never stopped a wolf from acting on his worst instincts."

"You say that as if you've seen it firstpaw. What happened?" Benny asked.

"Everything… but also nothing," the old wolf answered.

Benny blinked.

"Everything and nothing? That doesn't even make any sense."

Helping his confusion was Oliver's chuckling.

Later…

Waving streams of flurries battered the group nonstop. Behind Oliver, the Fellowship and the rest of the Breeze huddled close to conserve heat. The Pack Leader noticed their progress slow significantly as their legs wobbled due to fatigue. Their paws were too numb to feel. Seemingly unaffected were Oliver and Abel. Having been in more blizzards to count, they marched with hardiness the Breeze simply couldn't match, but the storm proceeded to get worse by the minute. It wasn't long before a tree of light fractured the monotony.

In lupine folklore, thundersnow was considered among the worst of bad omens. It led to a frustrated Cloud moving up which spooked Abel.

"Geez, Cloud, that white fur is going to be the death of me."

"Are we close to the shelter?" Cloud asked. "My pack is tired. All of our food is frozen stiff. I don't think we're going to make it before this storm lets up."

"Yes, I figured that would be a possibility," said Oliver, "which is why I've been leading us to a place that's much closer."

"Thank the stars. That's great news. I will inform the pack."

"Hold on, wait," said Abel.

"Is there a complication?"

"No, we just think you should know that it's not a den that we're heading for."

"Explain what you mean."

"It's called a 'shed," Oliver informed. "It's where humans keep their tools. It's warm, warmer than a den could ever be."

"We're going to a building? Near humans? Absolutely not. Has your sense been frozen?"

"The humans are inactive just like the Rogues. We need not worry about them."

"I don't like this… There has to be another place, Oliver."

"There is no other place within twenty miles. To put it bluntly, sir, if we go anywhere else, we'll all succumb to death." The Pack Leader nodded begrudgingly. "We should move quickly," Oliver added. "Night will be upon us soon."

It took the group an hour to reach the shabby wooden shed. With its foundation buried, it submitted to the blasting wind and leaned precariously, but what disturbed Cloud more were the soft beams of yellow emanating from the log cabin fifteen yards away. In the two-story windows, the lights flickered as people moved inside. Cloud did have to admit though that the sight of warmth was tantalizing. The group gathered around the entrance which was secured by a large padlock.

"I don't see a way in," said Drizzle. She then whined and left scratches on the wood.

"Save your claws for the enemy," said Oliver. "We don't want them dull, now do we?" Oliver stood up on his hind legs and leaned his body against the doors. He inserted one of his claws into the padlock's keyhole. "This'll only take a moment," he assured. The Breeze watched in amazement again as the old wolf began picking the lock. His toe jiggled for a few seconds before the claw jabbed the tiny pin inside. Suddenly, there was a feeble click, and the padlock was opened just like that. Oliver then nudged it upwards with the tip of his pink nose. The padlock's shank withdrew from the hole in the steel clasp, allowing the doors to swing open. It revealed what appeared to the Breeze as a torture chamber. The space was adequate, but on the walls hung large objects that made the pack tremble, including rusted shovels, grimy wheelbarrows, and rakes marred by intense autumntime usage. On the back wall between notebook paper nailed to the bare studs was a triangle-shaped window.

"Well, at least it won't be pitch black in here," said Echo as she entered. "No offense, Drizzle."

"None taken," Drizzle replied.

The shed was barely enough to fit the nearly three dozen wolves. Many were forced to crawl under either the dangling tools or the workbenches adjoined to the walls. In one corner, an Omega was forced to rest on top of a lawn mower. In another, Elgin and Benny relaxed on a stack of golf cart tires. The rest of the Fellowship decided to squirm underneath the main workbench that was riddled with sawdust, cobwebs, and the droppings of mice. "Ah-choo!" Thunder sneezed. The big wolf could only fit his upper half in the compartment, but all he needed was to be able to stay close to Echo. They rubbed their heads affectionately as they knew their love would thaw them out faster.

Soon, the Second-In-Command pushed her way to the center of the shed. Alphas groaned as her report reminded them that she was their superior. An Alpha then hesitantly passed a bone to her. Doing a roll call, she read the written names aloud—notably skipping Elgin. Next, she read aloud another bone given to her that dealt with keeping track of the food supply.

"Yardley, you have the berries?"

"Yes, ma'am!"

"Tazewell, you have the caribou thigh?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Akari, you have the moose ribs?"

"I do, ma'am."

"Thedrick, you have the elk stomachs for the Rogue?"

"Most definitely, ma'am."

"Good… It would be cruel to let our prisoner starve," she replied, sending Elgin a smirk.

"Look on the bright side, Elgin," said Benny. "At least you're spending your final days with us and not with King. I doubt the Rogue Pack Leader lets his prisoners eat."

"At least King knows when to shut his trap!" Elgin rasped.

"Alright," Drizzle continued, "to the wolves tasked with the food, warm it up by lying on top of it. This is our time to eat. We don't know how long we'll be delayed, so only a few bites are allowed. That's it. Anyone I see fighting or taking more bites than they should will be sleeping outside. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Drizzle," they replied in unison.

"You must be proud of your daughter," Abel said to Cloud. "She's assumed her new role quite nicely."

"She has her mother's spirit. She was born to be a commander."

"It's unfortunate what happened to her brother. I wish I could've had the chance to meet him."

"I wish you could've as well. He had his mother's humor. He would've brought so much joy at a time like this when we need it the most. The Rogues stole him from us. Not surprising since destroying joy is what they do. Damn them all," the Pack Leader cursed, producing a low growl.

"Why does it feel like we're the ones who lost when we defeated a frickin' army? Maybe it's too late for Banff," Thunder suggested.

"Poppycock," Oliver exclaimed. As intended, the strange word immediately grabbed their full attention. "Empires rise as fast as they fall. Who's to say the Rogues are exempt from history? They may seem unstoppable, yes, but their need to subjugate is a weakness and one that is worthy of exploitation."

"And that's exactly how we'll approach the Nightlanders," Abel added.

"The Nightlanders?" said Echo.

"So the wolves whom we're taking on finally have a name," Cloud replied. "Now that we're halfway to Yoho, I think it's time you two spill a bit more information."

"We do apologize for not being very forthcoming," said Oliver. "Allow me to explain that my dear companion, Abel, is sensitive when it comes to discussion about the pack we're after."

"It's okay, Oliver. I think I can handle it now," said Abel who then turned back to the Breeze wolves but not before emitting a wobbly sigh. "The Nightlanders… are not like the Rogues. Oliver mentioned that the Rogues' weakness is their need to subjugate. For the Nightlanders, it's an even greater weakness because they are one hundred percent committed. The Rogues subjugate to enact their religion as if they're on some righteous crusade. The Nightlanders? They subjugate for the hell of it."

"Well, they certainly sound nice," Thunder commented.

"The Rogues are scattered all over the place," Abel continued. "Their forces are in constant fluid motion which makes taking them down nearly impossible without a… What was the term you used, Oliver?"

"Park-wide coalition."

"Yes, that. See, the Nightlanders fool themselves. They stay in Yoho because they already have what they want, a population enclosed by lies and fear. What we need to pop that bubble is a fellowship."

"So where does the Breeze come in?" asked Cloud.

"In order to pop a bubble, you need to pierce it. We need you because our goal is to kill Greyson, the Pack Leader of the Nightlanders, then spread the news of his death. The packs under occupation will handle the rest."

"I think we can take out this Pack Leader," said Cloud, "but we're betting on wolves we don't know to bail us out. If I didn't have so much faith in my Second-in-Command, I would dismiss this as a suicide mission."

"Taking out Greyson needs to be done covertly if we are to have the best chance of survival. You guys have the claws and the speed. I have no doubt we can do the mission. In regards to what happens afterward, I know it's a risk, but it's one I'm willing to die for. I can't take credit away from Oliver. He's the one who told me about you which gave me the hope that this age of tyranny will end. The oppressed Yohoians are stronger than they appear. I feel it in my marrow that they will rise. They're hungry for change. I know it."

"Very well," Cloud acknowledged. "I am comforted by your passion to save your homeland, for I also took a risk rooted in faith when it came to protecting the Sanctuary. I'm not alone in thinking that hope is dying across our world. At the very least, it should be the duty of the Breeze to help it grow where the land is fertile. I believe fear kills more dreams than failure ever will."

"Speaking of killing… I… I have to confess." Abel's forepaws began to fidget. He delivered a look to Oliver as though asking permission.

"Say it now or you never will," Oliver encouraged. Upon reading the situation, Cloud placed his paw on Abel's shoulder and nodded, a signal to say that Abel's admissions would not be judged harshly. Abel took a multitude of breaths before laying it out.

"I was a Nightlander…" The Breeze wolves' eyes swelled. "...and not just any Nightlander… I was an Enforcer."

"An Enforcer? What's that?" Echo asked.

"They're actually called Protectors, but I refuse to use a title so inappropriate. To answer your question, Echo, the Enforcers do many things, but generally, they're in charge of keeping the conquered populace—"Daylanders" we call them—in check. In other words, I was a member of the class of Alphas who do the day-to-day abuses."

"What kind of abuses?" said Thunder.

"Well…" Abel then gulped. "We often beat up anybody whenever we felt like it… The Daylanders are too weak and scared to fight back. They're pretty much helpless… And it was not uncommon for us to beat up several wolves in a single day… Nobody ever questioned what we were doing. It was just the culture… It was a fact of life. We were told that our jobs were heroic, that what we were doing was for the Daylanders' own good and… I ate it up..." Abel began crying.

"Hey… you're here now," Echo replied softly. "If you were like the others, you wouldn't be here."

"You don't understand… When I said killing, I meant it." Thunder and Echo gasped. "I wasn't an Enforcer for long, but I ended up killing many Daylanders… including one I had genuinely loved... because I blindly followed orders… Like prey I slaughtered them!" Abel sobbed.

Echo clutched her belly with her right forepaw as a question materialized.

"Did you ever kill pups?"

"No… but I believe I would've had I not changed… Each Enforcer is assigned to a specific family. We act as overseers, making sure they stay weak by either instigating fights or taking most of their food. Some Enforcers find enjoyment in playing god. If a she-wolf in our assigned family had pups, many of us would take the ones that looked the strongest, dump them in the nearest creek, and place bets on which one would drown first."

"If that's not the most horrendous thing I've ever heard, I don't what is," said Cloud. The listening Breeze wolves shuddered as they tried to come to terms with the Nightlanders' heinous crimes. They were their own league of evil compared to the Rogues.

"Knowing how devoted I was to Greyson," Abel continued, "had a she-wolf under my watch given birth, I know I would've drowned pups too without a second thought… I'm a monster…"

"You were a monster," Thunder corrected. "You might have done terrible things for a time, but that guilt proves you now know right from wrong. By fighting alongside us you're saving countless lives, and we'll make sure the wolves you killed are avenged, won't we Dad?"

"Yes, the Breeze is behind you, Abel. It takes courage to change, and you were very brave in telling us the truth."

"It haunts me that you did those things," said Echo, "but our Pack Leader is right. The only thing that matters is who you are right now."

Abel continued wiping his tears as he replied.

"Hm… I wish those words could make me feel better… Maybe they will in time, but nonetheless, I thank all of you for believing in me. I'm incredibly blessed to have real friends, let alone ones as understanding and as talented as you all."

Oliver patted Abel on the back.

"Don't worry, kid. We'll make it right."

January 30th, 2013

Following a much-needed rest in the cozy shed, the weather eased up dramatically. The group spent the morning traversing the heart of King's territory and were amazingly fortunate to not detect a single Rogue nor an iota of one's odious scent—with the exception of the prisoner. Drizzle had been informed of Abel's admission right before they left. It came as a shock to her that the Breeze was helping an Alpha who was once an instrument of terror. She didn't know what to feel about the former Nightlander now, but his hideous past relit the fire of indignation. To her, the Rogues and the Nightlanders were interchangeable. Why bother distinguishing them when they were both destroyers of joy? Somewhere her emotions had to be dumped, and the prisoner existed as the perfect wolf to absorb them.

Oliver eventually allowed the group to stop for a lunch break, choosing to scout ahead. As the Alphas tasked with the food began laying down their sack-pelts, Drizzle seized an opportunity.

"Thedrick, do you mind if I give the prisoner his ration this time?"

"Uhh, sure."

The she-wolf picked up an elk stomach, then walked over to Elgin and Benny where she dropped it at her forepaws.

"About time… I'm starving," Elgin groaned.

"Not so fast, Rogue. I want to hear you beg for it."

"What?! Are you serious?!" he exclaimed.

"Uh, Drizzle? What are you doing?" asked Benny.

"You heard me! Beg!" Drizzle demanded.

"Not on your life!" Elgin refused. "I'm not begging to some female who blubbers in her sleep! 'Oh, boo hoo, my brother died in war!' For a Second-in-Command, why don't you grow a pair of balls?!"

Drizzle snapped. Vengeful lust overwhelmed her veins and arteries as she lunged at Elgin and pinned him down, her paws choking him blue. Benny looked on in horror.

"HOW ABOUT I SLASH YOURS OFF?!"

Benny pushed her off by ramming into her.

"Drizzle, get a hold of yourself! Please!" he urged.

"What's going on here?" asked Cloud who came toward them in response to the noise.

"Nothing, sir," Benny lied. "Drizzle was just… warming up for a howl! That's all."

The Pack Leader noticed Elgin rubbing his neck as he stood back up. The truth was hardly hidden.

"Drizzle, come here please." His daughter sat in front of him and bowed her head.

"Dad, I was just—"

"Quiet," he cut her off. "You know better than to speak first when I call you. What's wrong?"

"The Rogue needs to go! He's dead weight, and letting him breathe for even one more second is too good for him!"

"Lower your tone. Elgin will be dealt with when the time is right."

"And what time would that be? What could be so important to let this scum of a wolf continue living? I say if we're going to have two foul wolves traveling with us, I make a motion to waive whatever's planned and execute the one responsible for desecrating our home right now."

"Denied," Cloud replied swiftly. "This is not up for debate, Drizzle. Now return to your duty."

"Yes, Dad," said Drizzle bitterly.

"You know, you might want to be a little more careful," warned Benny as he turned to Elgin. "You keep pulling her tail like that, and she will end up killing you."

"Why do you even care if I end up dead?" he questioned spitefully. Benny took a few steps back and lowered himself.

"I don't care if you die. It wasn't you I was trying to save," he answered. "Besides, if I'm gonna train under Oliver someday, then I gotta try to do the smart thing."

"Train under Oliver? I bet you won't last five minutes before he stabs you in the back like he did to me. And by the way, you quivering little wimp, regardless of your reason, don't expect me to thank you for helping me. With all this horrendous pain shooting up my legs, I'd rather the she-wolf just do away with me already. There's only so much humiliation I can take."

"I think you can take plenty more humiliation! You seem like a durable Alpha after all. Maybe if I can find a couple of squirrels, I can get them to—"

"You so much as finish that thought, and I will turn you into a blood smear!"

The churlish threat caused Benny to shrink to half his size. Just then, a howl from Oliver summoned the Fellowship.

"Oh, wow! Would you look at the time? It looks like I've been called! So sorry to cut this conversation short, but I've gotta go! Okay, bye!" Infected with shivers, he fled the scene.

"Well… he's not boring. I'll at least give him that much," Elgin grumbled.

The Fellowship gathered past a small ridge, a hundred yards ahead of the wolves eating their lunch. Oliver intensely sniffed the center of a flat field of snow. It was thick enough to swallow each paw step.

"What is it, Oliver?" asked Cloud.

"Nothing short of glad tidings. Take a look." With his snout, the old wolf plowed the snow which turned up a strip of steel. The Pack Leader and his offspring examined it blankly. "Does the good news lift your spirits?"

"Should it? I'm not sure what I'm looking at," Cloud replied.

"Me neither," said Thunder as he examined the steel closer, "but it's definitely not natural. It must be something manmade."

"Do excuse me," said Oliver. "I often forget how little the Breeze has migrated."

"Um, I think I know what it is," Benny said as he held up a paw.

"Oh? Well, don't leave us in suspense. What do you think it is?"

"I'm pretty sure I've heard of something like this before. It's what humans call a road. Those shiny things that humans ride inside go really fast down them."

"Hmm… close, but you could say you're on the right track. These are railroad tracks or at least a piece of the rail. The rest of the track is buried. There are really fast things that come down a railroad, but they're more dull than shiny. They're called trains. It may help to imagine them as a bunch of those shiny, fast things linked up together. They follow the tracks perfectly. They're tall, terribly noisy, and, considering their size, outrageously fast, so fast that it can make the best Breeze Alpha look slow."

"Make a Breeze Alpha look slow? No offense, golden-ager, but I'll believe it when I see it," remarked Echo while she curiously looked at the rail.

"I'm with Echo on this one. The only thing faster than me is a shooting star," said Drizzle. "Anyway, how exactly is this relevant to the mission?" Benny stood beside her, imagining in awe what a train would even look like.

"I'm glad you ask, Ms. Drizzle. These tracks lead to the corridor that begins between Mt. Norquay and Mt. Yamnuska."

"The Vermilion Gap," Abel clarified. "That's where we need to go."

"Precisely, but it's important to be aware that it branches into two ends. V1 leads to Kootenay. V2 leads to Yoho. Inside the pass, we have to be careful lest we end up in the wrong park."

"And I bet you have some trick to make sure we stay on course," said Cloud.

"Looks like you're finally catching on, sir," replied Oliver with a smirk.

"Oliver, I'm curious about something," said Benny inquisitively.

"And what would that be?"

"That Kootenay park, what is it like? I get the impression you've been there before or at least know about it."

"Ahh, as a matter of fact, I have been there but only once. Many years ago. The park is a narrow, worm-like shape corresponding to the road that runs directly through it. It's a large road called a 'highway,' and it generates a high concentration of humans. Wolves there don't live off caribou as much as the food left behind by campers. Those are people who will actually sleep in the forest in their own weird little dens. You may say they're trying to mimic us."

"That's incredible!" Benny exclaimed. "I'd love to visit there sometime. I want to see what a human's den looks like."

"And risk becoming lunch for a human?" Thunder teased.

"Oh, yeah… On second thought, maybe not."

Abel and Oliver exchanged smiles as the others engaged in a friendly back-and-forth. No one noticed the two slowly back away from the tracks.

"Hey, Echo," Abel summoned. "Could you come over here for a moment?"

"Yeah, what's up? And why are you guys way over here?"

"You want to see something funny?" The she-wolf witnessed a mischievous look on his face.

"Uhhhh, sure?"

"Wait for it," said Oliver who then gestured to look back at the rest of the Fellowship. Engrossed in their conversation, they were unprepared to hear a high-pitched roar suddenly shake the horizon. It occurred before the old wolf had a chance to do his favorite thing, the countdown. "Hm, it seems I was off by a few seconds. I really am getting old."

A second ear-fracturing shriek put the Breeze wolves into defensive postures when a short train came within sight and, at a speed that seemed impossible, blasted through the field. A metal slope at the front of the locomotive charged through the snow which lifted a huge wave of powder into the air. Within a second, the blanket of snow tore up and folded in on itself above their heads. It buried the Fellowship, excluding the three who watched from a distance. After the train disappeared as quickly as it came, Oliver, Abel, and Echo all broke out into boisterous laughs. Benny could also be heard laughing inside the new ridge of white that paralleled the rail. Thunder became the first to poke his head out. He was perplexed and disoriented.

"What the heck was that?! Was that the train?" he asked.

"Train? All I saw was a wall of snow," Drizzle added. "Did we get caught in an avalanche? And how come Echo didn't get hit?"

"Because an expectant mother should be treated delicately," Oliver responded. Thunder nodded in agreement.

"How about a little signal next time," Cloud suggested from behind Abel and Oliver, even though they swore they saw him get devoured by the wave.

Oliver then walked towards the tracks that were now totally exposed, ready to lead them.

"Sorry about that. We couldn't help ourselves, but as you can see, the path has been made clear, so we are able to move. Our destination awaits."

February 2nd, 2013

The chain of peaks running parallel to Banff's western border now occupied a generous portion of the sky. The Vermilion Gap was like the Sanctuary's gate but thousands of times more massive. The Breeze was hypnotized. Benny imagined a giant mythical creature, a dog whose pawprints became lakes, taking a bite out of the Earth just to see what it would taste like. Unfortunately, the awesome sight couldn't be enjoyed meaningfully. The group needed to go through Vermilion's Spill, a name that reflected the realm of trees that seemed to pour out of the mountain pass as if it bled green. The forest was ancient and jam-packed with Douglas maple. Another feature the Breeze hadn't come across was woods where heat collected under the canopy and prevented snow from thickening. Light struggled to penetrate the leafy ceiling which partitioned the ground into bright and dim zones. The shadowed areas along the trail became a cause for concern. The Breeze's instincts prepared them for an ambush. Oliver held back from voicing objections as they huddled and strode shoulder-to-shoulder. There was no danger of encountering Rogues ahead as he would make sure that would never happen. At their rear, he was slightly less confident, but nonetheless, he welcomed whatever eased the Breeze's anxieties, including a game meant for pups called "I Smell."

"I smell with my little nose… something that's like…. rotting goose eggs!" said Benny.

"Let me guess; it's me again," said Elgin, rolling his eyes.

"Correct!"

"Ughhh! This is torment! If my physical pain was a bit more bearable, I would bite that sniffer of yours right off your face, so I wouldn't have to play this stupid game anymore!"

"At least you're not lonely. It's only because you can't attack that I'm chatting with you here instead of waaaaaaay over there," Benny replied, gesturing to a faraway location.

"Oh, what I would give to be lonely right now," Elgin muttered.

"Okay, so it's now Thunder's turn, right?" said Echo.

"I smell someone I wish I could kill."

"Elgin, you're gonna have to be more specific," Echo dismissed, "that could literally be anyone here. Also, don't skip. It's Thunder's turn." She turned to her boyfriend who seemed to be intently focused on something. "You've been pretty quiet. What's wrong, hun?"

Thunder remained silent for a few more seconds before turning to Cloud.

"Dad, we need to stop moving right now."

Without a moment's hesitation, Cloud gave the silent command for everyone to stop walking. Next, he signaled several Alphas to set up a defensive perimeter. Elgin was soon pushed to the center. While many others took the time to stretch and yawn, Abel noticed a small movement behind a bush. He swiftly concluded that it was too subtle to be another wolf. Only Breeze Alphas could move as such.

"Status report," the Pack Leader requested.

"I've been hearing something," his son responded. "It's faint like a fox or a rabbit. It could be distant prey, but it's been within a half-mile for the past hour. It's almost like it's following us."

"Can you trace the sound?"

"Yes, but we'll need to move fast before I lose it."

Cloud dispensed another silent order. Half of the Alphas, including himself and his offspring, were going to investigate while everyone else stayed put. It was exactly when the party disappeared that Abel witnessed the same movement again which was followed by familiar eyes glinting in the dark. He blinked. Trepidation over what was going on washed over the remaining Breeze as he slinked away into the shade, beginning an investigation of his own. He needed to know if the forest was playing tricks on him or if the impossible actually happened. Little did he know that a she-wolf was dying to pounce on him. She shot into his flank, then kept him down with her own body weight.

"Hello there, Abel." With his face in the dirt, he couldn't get a good look, but she had a distinctly soulless monotone that was hard to not associate with Princess. He smiled.

"I imagined our reunion looking very different. Didn't expect it so soon! Also, you're crushing me. Can't breathe!" With that, the wolf released Abel from her hold.

"That's for knocking me out and tying me up," she informed.

"Heh, geez. I didn't realize you were the type to hold a grudge… It's nice to see you! This must mean you've put some thought into what we talked about."

"Yes… about me 'walking away from it all' as you put it."

"So have you? 'Cause it would really suck if we were being surrounded by an army right now."

"I come alone. You have my word." The she-wolf bowed her head. "I did think upon what you suggested. For a week, I stayed in that den and asked myself the question you told me to ask. It is with pleasure I can say to you now that I have found what I want. I have found my dream."

"You did? Well, that's great to hear!"

"Yes, I have chosen to abandon my pack. I tracked you down as you said I should. I walked to the lair of the Breeze but discovered it was empty, apart from a miscellany of scents heading out west."

"If you remember, I told you there was something I had to do. I'm still in the process of righting some wrongs."

"So you're with the Breeze?"

"Yep, and I'm assuming that disturbance they're investigating was your doing."

"So we may talk without interference. I wanted you to know that… you gave me the push I needed to find myself, and… is it's been most rewarding. For the first time ever, I have purpose."

"Well, I'm happy to hear my words had such a profound effect! I thought you might have to find the answer on your own as I did. So what is this dream you found? If you're leaving everything behind for it, I've got to know what it is!"

"My dream is to raise pups."

"Aw, that's awesome, Princess! Starting a family is a great way to become your own wolf!"

"Thank you, Abel. Once again, your encouragement is not without merit. I have no doubt we will make a strong pack."

"Wait, what do you mean by 'we'?"

"I've claimed you as my mate, of course. You shall impregnate me, thereby establishing our own empire."

"WHAT?!" The look on Abel's face instantly shifted from one of joy to one of shock and embarrassment. He hadn't been reunited with Princess for a full minute before the notion of mating with her transformed his mind into the shell of a snail. A million questions lined up, but not all of them were his own.

"Well, well, well, look at what I've found here."

The disembodied voice instantly put Princess in a defensive stance.

"Drizzle… how long were you listening?" asked Abel. The black she-wolf revealed herself from behind a Douglas maple.

"Oh, the whole time, but I've got to admit. The last thing I expected was two lovebirds talking about pups. I had a feeling Oliver was not the only one keeping secrets. Now that you've been caught in the act, you might as well come clean. So, who's the floozy?"

"I'm sorry! This was unexpected... Let's get back to the others, and I promise, Drizzle, I'll explain everything."

"Was it really so difficult to tell us you had a sweetheart?" she replied condescendingly.

"I'm not kidding when I say I didn't even know I had one!" he answered, eyeing Princess.

"Hmm… Okay then, but I just want to let you know. I heard about the tragedies you fostered. You may have fooled the others, but I know better. I'm keeping my eye on you."

"I understand. Honesty, if I were in your fur, I wouldn't trust me either."

The three then made their way to the group, arriving just before the investigation party returned.

"I just don't get it. It's like the sound was there one second but gone the next," remarked a puzzled Thunder.

"Hopefully, it is nothing, but there might be a threat lurking that we don't know about," added Cloud.

"It's possible," said Oliver, "but this situation has too many irregularities. I suspect something else is at play here."

"Actually, I might be able to provide a bit of clarity," said Abel, walking up to them.

"Wait, really? Did you find something?" asked Thunder.

"Well, more like something found me." The Alpha moved aside to expose the she-wolf to the blazing afternoon sun, igniting her chestnut colors. Cloud and Thunder were bewildered by the sudden appearance of this toned female they didn't recognize; however, out of the corner of his eye, Cloud noticed Oliver seem not surprised but… worried. A bona fide worry that the Pack Leader didn't think Oliver was capable of displaying. This wasn't just any she-wolf.

"Who is this new Alpha? She's not one of us."

"I found her and Abel meeting in secret out past those trees," Drizzle informed. "Very suspicious if you ask me."

"Is this true, Abel?"

Abel glanced over to Oliver who made a face that told him to choose his next words with care in mind. Abel then broadened his chest before replying. "Yes, it is. I will not lie to any of you. Let me explain. She's a friend I made when I was undercover."

"So she's a Rogue!" Drizzle blurted.

"She was… but not anymore, I swear! We talked for days while I was at the base, and during that time, I helped her to see things differently. She's left behind the Rogues just as I have left behind the Nightlanders. Princess never fought in the battle. She's never spilled a single drop of Breeze blood. After we won, I thought she was going to return to the Rogue's main base, but instead, she ended up tracking me down."

"Awwww, that's so romantic! I just adore a good love story," said Echo.

"Look, I've put my trust in you, Abel, just as my Dad did," said Thunder, "but that is partially because you have proven yourself to us. We don't know this wolf. She could just be pretending to have left the Rogues. This smells like a trap."

"No, that's not the Rogue's style," Oliver disagreed. "If they knew our location, they would send an army after us. Having a Rogue so obviously infiltrate our numbers would completely go against their usual methods."

Cloud sat in his thoughts, gazing at Princess directly.

"You created that noise, the one we went to investigate?"

"Yes, it was likely you would consider me a threat if I simply appeared before you, so I created a distraction. I wanted to speak with Abel alone," Princess replied. Her politeness and unassuming nature astounded the Breeze. That and the fact that she was neither foul-smelling nor blemished with a scar were antithetical to everything a Rogue was, to say nothing of her sex.

"Were you truly a Rogue?" Cloud asked. "I thought all Rogues were male."

"They are… with one exception," informed Abel. "Her name is Princess."

"Princess?" said Thunder. "But that would mean…"

"SHE'S THE DAUGHTER OF KING!" Drizzle screamed unbridledly. She stiffened her tail and snarled.

"Wait, Drizzle, calm down! You heard Abel. She's not one of them anymore!" Benny reminded.

"Oh, yeah, and Abel is such a trustworthy source of information. That girl is the daughter of the Rogue Pack Leader! She can't be trusted!" she demurred.

"Hey, I was a Rogue once too, wasn't I? Maybe she didn't like being a part of the family business and ran! We don't know her circumstances."

Looking into Drizzle's eyes, Benny succeeded in taking her down a notch.

"Okay… You make a good point, but I still don't trust her. I don't trust either of them!" She then turned to Oliver. "And don't get me started on you!"

Taking her chance, Princess engaged in an Omega-style submission posture as she pled her case.

"I left everything. I assure you I'm not a sycophant. If I return to my pack, my disobedience will not be met with mercy, so it's either you're hunting me down now or the Rogues will hunt me down later. There's no difference, so as you can see, my intentions are pure. I've come only to follow Abel, and fulfill my dream."

Thunder leaned over to his father and whispered.

"Dad, what are we gonna do? I trust Abel, but I also understand Drizzle's feelings on this. If we don't handle this the right way, we could have a major problem on our paws."

"Hmm… Alright, everyone. This is a unique situation, and I want all of our voices to be heard. To that end, I call upon the Fellowship of the Breeze to vote on the matter of Princess joining us. Whichever gets the majority must be honored. I will serve as tiebreaker if needed."

The other Fellowship members nodded.

"This is an easy no, and I strongly advise everyone else to follow suit," said Drizzle. "We already have a Rogue that we're dragging around, but now we're talking about bringing along the daughter of the very leader of the Rogues? Come on, now! Aside from that and liking Abel, we know nothing about this girl. For all we know, she could be here to help Elgin escape!"

"We do know," Benny chimed in, "that she willingly came forward with the information that she's a Rogue. If she truly meant to do us harm, what would she have to gain by telling us the truth? I was once a Rogue as you all know. Not all Rogues are evil. Some Rogues didn't even have a choice; it was either join or die. Princess couldn't choose her father, but I believe she's choosing now to be better like I did. I'm voting yes."

Abel then added to Benny's opinion.

"Benny is absolutely right. Things aren't so black and white that Princess is evil just because of who her father is! It took so much pain and so many bad decisions before I was finally able to see the error of my ways. And yet Princess was able to see things so much easier than me. The Rogue life is all she's ever known, but not long after she was presented with a different option, a different way of life, she decided to change things. Should we not support her for wanting to be better? So of course I'm voting yes."

Next, all eyes were on Echo. The Omega tilted her head.

"Why is everyone staring at me?"

"Where do you stand, Echo?" asked Cloud.

"Wait, I actually get a vote?!"

"Why would you not? You're a member of my family."

"But am I truly a member of the Fellowship? I thought I was just being treated nicely because of Thunder."

"That's wrong, Echo… Regardless of what your parents thought, you've proven yourself worthy as a superb Omega. You're an equal member, and no one under my watch will take that away. If anyone deserves a vote, it's you, my pup."

Tears of joy streamed down her cheeks. Echo's dream had truly become reality. Her parents never cared about her opinion or even her existence, but that was all different now. It left her flabbergasted and radiant with pride.

"Well, in that case… I will say to Abel, it is good that Princess is trying to be better, but it isn't that simple. Benny might have been a Rogue, but he was recently conscripted. On the other paw, Princess was working directly under the Rogue leader her whole life. There's no telling how many Omegas she's killed before she finally considered there was another way. And Abel, even though you did some bad things, we saw how contrite you are and how you're making up for your mistakes. Until Princess does the same, I cannot, in good conscience, agree with her coming along. I vote no."

Thunder now stepped up to share his own thoughts.

"To be honest, I agree with various points of what all of you are saying. Even if Princess doesn't mean us harm, her very presence with us could be a potential risk. As the daughter of the Rogue leader, it's very possible she may get in the way of our current mission, but I see this as a blessing in disguise. It's very possible she may end up being a vital asset. There isn't a way to know for sure which side she'll fall on, but if we're giving Abel the chance to stay with us, to make up for his past, isn't it only right to give Princess that same opportunity? I know bringing her is a gamble, but I believe it is one worth taking, albeit cautiously. I vote yes while recommending we keep a very close eye on her."

The only one left to vote now was Oliver who remained noiseless as everyone cast their votes and shared their reasons. During that time, Oliver had been running through all the options and possibilities in his head.

"As Thunder said, everyone here has made excellent points. It is because of this that I have decided to abstain."

Everyone exchanged muddled expressions.

"Abstain? What does that mean? I didn't know there was a third option," said Benny.

"Why have you chosen not to vote?" asked the Pack Leader.

"I lack sufficient information to be able to come to a decision at this time. So as a matter of principle, I have chosen to refrain from voting."

"Hm… So be it. That's three voting for and two voting against with one abstaining. It has been decided that Princess will be allowed to travel with us… for now."

Later…

That night, with the mountain pass in full view, the group agreed to sleep before entering. The Breeze snored side-by-side on the forest floor as Oliver and Abel took turns keeping watch. It was now Oliver's turn. He soon noticed that Princess was also keeping watch but not over their surroundings, over Abel in particular. She stared at his body with a pensive intensity. The old wolf hoped to catch up where they left off.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, Princess, but shouldn't you get some shut-eye? I thought it was important for royalty to get their beauty sleep."

"Sleep is a luxury," she replied brusquely.

"It was a luxury back when you were a Rogue you mean? I've got to say I know you're a tricky wolf to read, but the idea of you leaving everything behind just like that—leaving behind your life, your father, everything you've ever known… The very absurdity of it makes me wonder if there's more to the story."

"I'm still a Rogue. I was born a Rogue. I will die a Rogue, but… I've come to realize that Rogues are… odd. We are not ordinary, and I wish to know what being ordinary means. I knew my father wouldn't understand, so that's why I left."

"I see. That makes sense. After all, a wolf cannot change their heart like a snake sheds its skin. At your core, you think you'll always be King's daughter… and yet what you have done here is unlike anything I have ever heard about you. I know who you are, Princess, the feats you have achieved, the sins you have committed. You work with skill and efficiency to a degree I can't help but applaud regardless of your goals. But what you're doing now is unlike anything I have ever heard about you. You may still be a Rogue. You may not. Either way, I don't think you're the same Princess I met just a few weeks ago."

The she-wolf turned back to Abel and continued her cold stare.

"You were right… He's just like me…"

Oliver scanned Princess. Next, he let out a defeated sigh.

"I guess she was right. It can make you do crazy things," he murmured to himself. "If you'd be so kind, would you accompany this old wolf for a walk—to a more secluded place? We wouldn't want to disturb any of our sleeping friends."

Princess thought for a moment. She then nodded, giving him a bow afterward. They walked a short distance to the edge of a frozen pond. The shafts of moonlight gleaming off the ice brought Oliver comfort. "Ah, how beautiful. This should be a good place to talk."

"So… I can see you're as resourceful as Abel says. It's clear neither of you are prisoners of the Breeze."

"You only get to my age by being resourceful. Fools have a tendency to die an early death, especially kind-hearted fools."

Princess knew it would be remiss of her to not acknowledge Oliver's refusal to vote. Schemers were not ones to bear ambivalence. She suspected he wanted her as an ally but couldn't alienate the Breeze. However, she cautioned herself against getting entangled in his arrangements. At most, she was curious about his scheming abilities.

"So if you're not a Rogue, who are you?" she asked.

"Heh, who am I huh? As time goes on, you'd be surprised how little a question like that matters. It's better to ask what it is I might want, for that's what truly matters. In my life, I've gone by many names, worn many faces, and experienced things that I still find hard to believe. I've seen enough to change a wolf a hundred times over. But what I want… That has never changed."

"If what you want is what defines you, enlighten me, please. Given that you've taken a liking to studying me, I must respond in kind."

"A part of me knew you'd be a quick learner. I'm afraid I can't go unearthing all the bones; however, I can tell you that what I hunger for right now is currently in Yoho. If I am to achieve my goal, then this mission must succeed. And to that end, I study you to see if you might end up being a… complication in my plans. Now, might I ask why you feel it necessary to study me?"

"You're not the only one with plans. I need to be sure that you're not going to be my complication; therefore, since you're a schemer, I ask for a trade. A secret for a secret."

"A secret for a secret! What an interesting proposition! You have a tendency for surprising me, Princess, and I assure you that's a compliment. As you say, I am a schemer, and that means I don't share my secrets easily, but I know you are not a fan of schemers, and I would prefer not to make the great and beautiful Princess my enemy. Very well, as a show of good faith, I will play along. After all, I'd much rather have you as a friend."

"Are you prepared?"

"I am indeed," he answered. "You will be free to ask for whatever secret you fancy, and you may choose the secret you wish to share; however, this is under the condition that the secret you provide is of use to me. Are these terms acceptable?"

"Yes... I want to know what you're looking for."

Oliver leaned into the she-wolf's ear and whispered. Princess tilted her head in response.

"Huh? That doesn't make sense. What you're looking for is a legend… It doesn't exist."

"Oh, it will surprise you just how many legends are real. In the wrong paws, they're dangerous, and that's why I must find them. It's okay if you don't believe me. I've still told my secret just like you wanted."

"That is fair," she replied tersely. She then took a deep breath. "Pardon me please."

"Take your time, my dear. I'm in no rush."

Princess closed her eyes and leaned into Oliver's ear. What she divulged was her birth name. "While that is an interesting tidbit, I don't really see how that's much of a secret."

"It's used as a codeword between my father and his inner circle. Since Rogue territory is so far and wide, my father doesn't bother with keeping track of every commander, so he uses this code for identification. I figure a wolf like you may find it useful."

Oliver smirked.

"A codeword, huh? So that's how he does it… You're right. That could be very useful."

"However, I expect you to use it solely to get around. If you do anything to sabotage my pack, I will end your life faster than an autumn leaf descends to the ground."

"Fear not, dear Princess. My word is yours. On my heart, this knowledge won't be used to sabotage your pack."

"I accept your promise." The she-wolf turned to the sleeping wolves. "I think I must return now. Abel shouldn't leave my sight. You know… it is my belief he will provide me with suitable pups. Would you agree, elder?"

"That's… umm… Look… I've got to be straight with you here. Abel is a good kid, and it doesn't take a genius to tell that he cares about you a lot. I know you guys talked day after day, and I know you feel a kinship with each other. He wants to help you as he thinks you left the Rogues behind. I just don't want the poor kid to suffer a broken heart."

"What do you mean? Are you saying he won't give me pups?"

"I'm saying if you're not careful, you may hurt the guy! I'm sure he's told you about the suffering he's had to endure. Frankly, you're probably one of the only things keeping him tied to this world at this point. Since he met you, he's had this luster in his eyes, and I don't want him to lose that."

"But why would he? Why would I hurt him?"

"Because he trusts you, Princess. He believes you can be better, and right now, you're lying to him. I get that you want pups, and I'm sure if that's your goal, then there's nothing stopping you, but you need to consider what comes after that. I think, given time, Abel would be more than happy to give you pups but only if you do things the right way."

"The right way? There's a right way? Hmm… I've never heard of this. Elaborate please."

"Oh, you poor girl. Making pups should come when two wolves love each other, when they're open and honest, and when they care more about their partner than anything else in the world. Have you never seen your parents act this way? Don't you have a mother?"

"I don't have a proper mother. My father says I was a gift from the sun goddess, Neethla. It can be said that she's my mother, but this love thing… I'm not familiar with it. Is it what every non-Rogue wolf experiences?"

"Love is what every wolf experiences, Rogue or not. It is a feeling of caring for another wolf, to worry about them and miss them when they're not around. There are different kinds of love but what I'm referring to is a special feeling reserved for the one you would want to spend the rest of your life with. I know it might be difficult for you to understand. Heck, I don't fully get it either, but if you want pups the right way, you need to look inside yourself and see if what you feel for Abel is true love."

"A feeling of caring? This sounds like Omega propaganda. I see why I haven't heard much of it. I appreciate the suggestion, fellow Alpha, but I refuse to fall into the trap of weakness that these Omegas propagate. Abel knows me. I am confident he will give me pups in any case. With that said… I thank you for your tact, but I will go now."

"You are blinded by what you think you know, my dear. But so be it. I gave it my best shot. I guess some wolves only learn the hard way. When this eventually comes back to haunt you, I hope you remember what I said here. The knowledge I have shared will be your sole chance to correct your mistakes."

The she-wolf turned to leave but stopped short.

"I do have one question to ask you."

"And what question might that be?"

"Abel once mentioned a cave you two stayed in on the way to Elgin's base. It was behind a waterfall. Could you tell me where it is?"